Santa Anita
Rye eyeing repeat in Unusual Heat Turf Classic
Shigeki Kikkawa Trainer William Morey hopes that Rye (left) can defend his title in the Unusual Heat Turf Classic on Jan. 26.
The stakes winner Rye is nearing a return to racing. Trainer William Morey said on Friday that he hopes to have Rye ready for the $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic for California-breds at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita on Jan. 26, a race the 5-year-old horse won last January.
Rye was later third in the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano Stakes at about 1 3/4 miles on turf in April.
Owned by Joseph Morey Jr., who is not related to the trainer, Rye is in training at Golden Gate Fields.
“I’d like to get a race under his belt and see if we can make the Unusual Heat Classic,” William Morey said. “It’s kind of our goal.”
